School Plans Met With Indifference

Few Criticize Renovation Proposal

Officials Work To Drum Up Interest

MANCHESTER — There are no lawn signs. No political action committees. Just an occasional letter to the editor on the subject.

On June 7, residents will vote on a $44.3 million school renovation project which, if it passes, would be the most expensive such project in town history.

But the passion that accompanied proposed school projects in 1999 and in 2002 is missing.

``I think it's because this has all been around for so long, and that it's been looked at from all sides,'' said Ted Cummings, chairman of the Democratic town committee. ``I believe most people are just saying the time has come -- let's do it.''

The June 7 vote will ask residents if they support an overhaul of Bennet Middle School, which would then be used as a sixth-grade academy, and renovations at Illing Middle School, which would house all seventh- and eighth-graders.

There has been relatively little criticism of the plan, but even those who support it are privately wondering whether enough ``yes'' voters will turn out to offset those who will inevitably oppose the project for reasons that include the effect on property taxes.

Special elections rarely lead to high voter turnout.

Two months ago in Vernon, about 21 percent of registered voters turned out for a $70.7 million school referendum. Three parts of a four-part renovation project were approved.

Two weeks ago in Bloomfield, 18 percent of registered voters turned out for an $89.9 million school project, which was narrowly defeated.

Manchester has about 32,000 registered voters. If 20 percent turn out, that means 3,201 votes would be enough to approve or reject the proposal.

Other recent high-profile school projects in town have been decided on the traditional November Election Day when participation is much higher.

In 1999, for example, voters rejected a plan to overhaul the 10 elementary schools in town for $110 million by the tally of 5,883 to 4,622.

In 2002, voters rejected a $140 million plan that included construction of a new high school by a margin of 9,322 to 6,648.

Last year, when voters approved a $35.2 million plan to renovate and expand the current high school, the count was 11,740 for and 5,096 against.

Before all such votes, the town schedules public forums so residents can get information about the projects.

Last week, however, less than 20 people showed up for an informational meeting at Illing Middle School and most were town officials.

Another session is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Bennet library.

The apparent apathy notwithstanding, Cummings said he is hoping for broad voter participation on June 7. He said the Democratic town committee is recruiting volunteers to drop off fliers in the most densely populated neighborhoods in town on June 4 and 5 to drum up interest.